STEPPING into the LIMELIGHT

The 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival hit the stage in spectacular style on July 20, as the dance drama In the Distance, Here, made a stunning debut at the Xinjiang People's Hall in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Under the theme — Let's Dance Together, this year's festival brings together 24 distinguished art troupes from home and abroad, including groups from eight countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the United States, Italy and Cambodia.

Each production will captivate audiences across the region until Tuesday.

On stage, dancers move with ethereal grace — each leap electrifying, each turn fluid as water. Yet behind the curtain, a different rhythm pulses: the relentless beat of preparation.

As the dance festival unfolds, China Daily reporters step beyond the footlights to witness artistry forged in the shadows.

From every sequin to every stretched muscle and every split-second transition, it proves the old saying, "A minute on stage demands a decade of practice". Between performances, dancers bridge languages through interactive activities and shared applause.

With Urumqi serving as the main venue, the festival has regional sub-venues in Ili, Hotan, Aksu, Karamay, Hami and Ala'er. Accompanying activities include the 2025 Xinjiang Silk Road Street Dance Show, village dance community performances, an international dance carnival, and a traditional opera week.

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the State Council Information Office, and the Xinjiang regional government, the event has been held since 2008, attracting 138 art groups from more than 70 countries and regions during its previous six sessions.

Mao Weihua contributed to this story.